Editing Leopard 1 (section)

== Operational history ==
=== Australia ===
[[File:Australian Leopard AS1 tank forest.jpg|thumb|Australian Army Leopard AS1 on exercise, 2005]]
In 1974, the Australian government confirmed the purchase of the Leopard, with a total of 101 vehicles being acquired, consisting of 90 MBTs, five Bridgelayers and six ARVs. Two more ARVs were purchased later. The first Leopards arrived in Australia from West Germany in 1976, ending a selection and trial process against the US [[M60 Patton|M60]]<ref>Hunnicutt, p. 6 & 408</ref> series that started in 1971, when the army decided it needed a replacement for its British [[Centurion tank|Centurions]], which had served since 1952 and had been deployed during the [[Vietnam War]].

In March 2004, the decision was made to replace the Leopard 1 with reconditioned US [[M1 Abrams|M1A1 Abrams AIM]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defence.gov.au/dmo/lsd/land907/land907.cfm |title=Australian Defence Force maintains a supportable, survivable and interoperable tank capability until at least 2020 |publisher=Defence.gov.au |access-date=2015-11-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117032149/http://www.defence.gov.au/dmo/lsd/land907/land907.cfm |archive-date=2015-11-17 |url-status=live }}</ref> The first 18 of 59 M1A1 Abrams arrived in September 2006. The [[M88 Recovery Vehicle|M88A2 Hercules]] is concurrently replacing the Leopard family of support variants in Australian service. The Leopard 1 was operated by the [[1st Armoured Regiment (Australia)|1st Armoured Regiment]] and was officially withdrawn from service in July 2007. Their guns were never fired in combat operations. Some of the retired tanks were offered to military museums or [[Returned and Services League of Australia|RSL]] clubs.<ref>McPhederan, Ian [http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/tanks-to-scare-neighbours/story-e6frf7kx-1111114422073 Leopard tanks up for grabs] ''[[Herald Sun]]'' Retrieved May 12, 2016</ref>

=== Belgium ===
The Belgian Army received 334 '''Leopard 1BE''' between 1968 and 1971. They equipped eight tank regiments, each equipped with 40 Leopards, and the Armour School. The first regiment to receive the Leopard was the [[2/4th Lancers Regiment|4th Lancers]], followed by the 1st Lancers, 2nd Lancers, 3rd Lancers, 8th Lancers, [[Guides Regiment|1st Guides]], 2nd Guides and finally the [[2/4th Chasseurs à Cheval Regiment|2nd Mounted Rifles]]. From 1974, they were modified with a gun stabilization system and an Automatic firing direction system (''Automatisch VuurLeidingsSysteem'', AVLS) from [[SABCA]]. This system allowed the gun to fire on the move.

In 1984, the Army Command decided to upgrade 132 Leopard to the A5 standard as '''Leopard 1A5(BE)'''. At the end of the Cold War, there was a drastic cut in the number of tanks and 128 were sold to Brazil. The upgrade started in 1993 and was completed in 1997. The upgrade included a new gun firing direction system with thermal imaging, a laser rangefinder and a muzzle reference system. At that time, four regiments were still equipped with the Leopard 1A5(BE). At the end of the 1990s, the remaining four regiments amalgamated into two tank regiments, the [[1st/3rd Lancers Regiment|1st/3rd Lancers]] and the 2nd/4th Lancers. In 2010, the 2nd/4th Lancers was disbanded.

Around 40 Leopard 1A5(BE) were kept operational in the 1st/3rd Lancers and [[Regiment Carabiniers Prins Boudewijn – Grenadiers|Carabiniers Prins Boudewijn – Grenadiers]]. The 1st/3rd Lancers is no longer a tank regiment, but a medium infantry battalion, identical to the rest of the medium infantry battalions of the Belgian Army except for having a single squadron of Leopard 1A5(BE). Belgian Leopards have served in Kosovo. In 2014<!--month?-->, following the government's decision to replace all Land Component tracked vehicles (Leopards, AIFV, and M113) with [[Mowag Piranha|PIRANHA DF90s]],<ref>{{cite web |title=PIRANHA DF90 |url=https://mil.be/fr/materiel/piranha-df90 |website=LA DEFENSE |access-date=13 July 2019 |archive-date=13 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190713051929/https://mil.be/fr/materiel/piranha-df90 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Belgian Leopards were retired from service with most tanks being put on display, used for target practice, or sold<ref>{{cite web |last1=Verboven |first1=Stijn |title=LE LÉOPARD TIRE SA RÉVÉRENCE |url=https://www.mil.be/fr/article/le-leopard-tire-sa-reverence |website=LA DEFENSE |access-date=13 July 2019}}</ref> inoperable to a [[OIP Sensor Systems|Belgian company]].<ref name="auto">{{cite web |last1=Sauer |first1=Pjotr |title=Belgian buyer of Europe's spare tanks hopes they see action in Ukraine |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/31/ukraine-europe-tanks-belgian-buyer-oip |website=[[The Guardian]] |date=31 January 2023}}</ref>

During [[Eurosatory|Eurosatory 2022]], [[John Cockerill (company)|John Cockerill]] offered the '''Cockerill Medium Tank 3105''' upgrade package for Leopard 1 tanks. The prototype for the upgrade integrated the hull of the Leopard 1A5(BE) with a Cockerill 3105 turret. The only modification to the hull is the installation of an adaptor ring for the new turret and an electronic cable. The turret is armed with a 105&nbsp;mm Cockerill 105HP with a 12-round autoloader and a 7.62&nbsp;mm coaxial machine gun, with both thermal and day sights. The installation of the new turret reduces the tank's weight by 5 tonnes and the tank crew to 3 personnel. The prototype was converted at the John Cockerill facility in [[Aubange]] and underwent firing tests at the [[Suippes]] military base in March 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.armyrecognition.com/eurosatory_2022_news_official_online_daily/john_cockerill_presents_new_modernization_of_leopard_1_tank_fitted_with_3105_weapon_station.html |title=John Cockerill presents new modernization of Leopard 1 tank fitted with 3105 weapon station|website=armyrecognition.com|date=15 June 2022|access-date=16 June 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://bulgarianmilitary.com/2022/06/14/despite-kf-51-leopard-a5-be-with-105mm-c3105-turret-was-shown/ |title=Despite Kf-51, Leopard A5 BE with 105mm C3105 turret was shown|website=bulgarianmilitary.com|date=14 June 2022|access-date=16 June 2022}}</ref>

The Belgian Army also had the following variants:
* 36 armoured recovery vehicles (ARV – TRV)
* 17 Pioneer tanks (armoured engineers)
* 55 Gepard anti-aircraft tanks (withdrawn from service)
* 12 driving school tanks
* 9 Leguan AVLB (armoured vehicle-launched bridge)

Belgium sold its last 50 Leopard 1A5BE tanks to OIP Land Systems in 2014 for roughly €37,000 each. In January 2023 the government sought to buy these back to give to Ukraine, however the purchase was delayed over a disagreement on price, with OIP wanting around €500,000 each to cover the cost to refurbish them to battle-ready condition.<ref name="auto"/><ref>{{cite web |title=Belgian buyer of Europe's spare tanks hopes they see action in Ukraine |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/belgian-arms-trader-defense-minister-tangle-over-tanks-for-ukraine-/6943740.html |website=VOA News |date=1 February 2023}}</ref> All 50 were subsequently purchased by Rheinmetall, with 30 to be refurbished and 20 used for spare parts.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rheinmetall rüstet belgische Leopard-Panzer für die Ukraine auf |url=https://www.handelsblatt.com/unternehmen/industrie/ruestungskonzern-rheinmetall-ruestet-belgische-leopard-panzer-fuer-die-ukraine-auf/29316222.html |website=Handelsblatt |date=8 August 2023 |language=de}}</ref><ref name="forbes.com">{{cite web |title=Belgium Just Found Another 30 Old Leopard 1 Tanks For Ukraine |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2023/08/08/belgium-just-found-another-30-old-leopard-1-tanks-for-ukraine/?sh=5e74aa7c5214|website=Forbes |date=8 August 2023}}</ref>

=== Canada ===
<!-- This section is linked from [[Land Force Command (Canada)]] -->
[[File:Leopard C1.jpg|thumb|A Canadian Leopard C1 tank displayed at [[Garrison Petawawa|CFB Petawawa]]]]
[[File:Leopard 1 Tank REFORGER 77 (CC 109969).jpg|thumb|right|A Leopard 1A2 operated by Canadian Armed Forces participating in exercise [[Exercise Reforger|REFORGER]] 1977.]]
[[File:Leopard C2 MBT, RMC, CFB Kingston, 1.jpg|thumb|right|A Canadian Leopard C2 on display at the [[Royal Military College of Canada|Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston]]]]
[[File:Leopard C2 Canadian Forces.jpg|thumb|right|A Canadian Leopard C2 MEXAS, en route to Afghanistan, October 2006]]

As a replacement for the Centurion, Canada acquired 114 '''Leopard C1''' tanks (equivalent to Leopard 1A3 with laser rangefinder) in 1978 and 1979 for its [[Canadian Forces Land Force Command|Land Forces]]. Most of these tanks were stationed in West Germany during the Cold War, with a few retained at [[Canadian Forces Base Gagetown]], New Brunswick for training. In 1976, prior to delivery of these new Leopards, the Canadian government leased 35 Leopard 1A2 tanks from the contractor in order to begin training crews from the [[4 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group]] (4CMBG) based in West Germany.<ref name="canadianmilitaryhistory1">{{cite web |author=Kellen Kurschinski |url=http://canadianmilitaryhistory.ca/from-centurion-to-leopard-1a2-by-frank-maas/ |title=From Centurion to Leopard 1A2 by Frank Maas |publisher=Canadianmilitaryhistory.ca |date=2014-04-10 |access-date=2015-11-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117063852/http://canadianmilitaryhistory.ca/from-centurion-to-leopard-1a2-by-frank-maas/ |archive-date=2015-11-17 |url-status=live }}</ref> These tanks equipped the Royal Canadian Dragoons (RCD) that competed against other NATO tank crews and won the [[Canadian Army Trophy|Canadian Army Tank competition]] in 1977.<ref name="canadianmilitaryhistory1" />

While investigating the possibilities of increasing the Leopards' armour prior to a refit, the turret armour on close-up inspection was 1.5-inch + turret wall cast 0.75-inch steel, the 'belly' armour was approx. 2.25-inch + cast frame steel 0.75-inch steel, skirt covering treads (tracks) was 1-inch rubber – not steel. Additional armour was applied on the forward half of the skirt during the refit as well as increased 0.6-inch steel on the upper hull sides and 1.1-inch steel on the upper Glacis – although only a small handful of C1s received a complete refit.{{clarify|date=May 2015}}

The refit included adding thermal night-vision equipment. Five or six Leopard C1 tanks had an extremely thick [[MEXAS]] appliqué armour kit applied, made by German firm IBD Deisenroth Engineering. These tanks, designated '''Leopard C1 MEXAS''', served with [[Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians)]] in the 1999 [[Kosovo Force|KFOR]] mission in [[Kosovo]]. They were later upgraded with the same sights and fire-control system as the Leopard C2 (see below).

Starting in 1996, the 114 Leopard C1 tanks in service were due to be upgraded to the Leopard 1A5 standard, designated as the '''Leopard C2''', at a cost of [[Canadian dollar|CA$]]139 million. The turrets of 123 surplus Leopard 1A5 tanks purchased from the German Defence Ministry were fitted into the existing hulls (nine turrets were reserved for spare parts and training), and the German tank hulls sold back to the upgrade contractor. For the process, the original Leopard 1A3 turrets had their main armament removed first, then were removed from the original C1 hulls. The modified Leopard 1A5 turrets were then fitted onto the C1 hulls. The removed L7A3 105&nbsp;mm guns were refitted onto the new turrets. Due to the complexity of the upgrade process, of the 114 tanks, 66 tanks were successfully upgraded. The first updated Leopards, now named the Leopard C2, entered service in November 1999, at CFB Gagetown, New Brunswick.

The Leopard C2's turret was modified according to the Canadian Army's request, with new radios being installed, and new stowage containers being fitted to the rear of the turret. Aside from the requested add-ons, the biggest update for the Canadian Leopard tank fleet was the implementation of the Atlas-Elektronik EMES-18 Fire Control System module, which featured a similar computerized setup as the C1's SABCA FCS, a laser rangefinder, and thermal imager. Eighteen Leopard Crew Gunnery Trainers were purchased at the same time.

Canada also operates the Leopard 1-based Beaver AVLB and Taurus ARV, bought with the original Leopard C1, and the Badger AEV with a dozer blade and excavator bucket, which entered service in 1990.

A number of the Canadian Leopard tanks were pulled out of service during the mid-2000s in anticipation of replacing them with the eight-wheeled [[Mobile Gun System]]. These plans were put on hold after US experience revealed serious shortcomings related to stability and weight. Of the obsolescent tanks, 23 were sold to companies in North America, four put in museums or used as monuments, including two at the [[Bovington Tank Museum]],<ref>[http://www.tankmuseum.co.uk/collatest.html A Brace of Leopards] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070914020210/http://www.tankmuseum.co.uk/collatest.html |date=2007-09-14 }}, Bovington Tank Museum</ref> and 21 used as hard targets on ranges.

Canada sent a [[Squadron (cavalry)|squadron]] of Lord Strathcona's Horse to Afghanistan in late 2006, equipped with 17 Leopard C2 tanks with the MEXAS add-on armour, as well as four recovery vehicles and four engineering vehicles.<ref>{{cite news |title=Canada beefs up Afghan war commitment |first1=Bill |last1=Curry |date=15 September 2006 |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20060915.wafghantroop0915/BNStory/National/home |newspaper=[[The Globe and Mail]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070313145052/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20060915.wafghantroop0915/BNStory/National/home |archive-date=March 13, 2007 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/print/CTVNews/20061101/tanks_purchase_061101/20061101/?hub=Canada&subhub=PrintStory |title=CTV News &#124; Top Stories – Breaking News – Top News Headlines |publisher=Ctv.ca |date=2014-05-08 |access-date=2015-11-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081227021823/http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/print/CTVNews/20061101/tanks_purchase_061101/20061101/?hub=Canada&subhub=PrintStory |archive-date=2008-12-27 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The armoured squadron was intended to provide convoy protection, supporting Canada's Provincial Reconstruction Teams and other organizations equipped with lighter vehicles, and combat operations. The first tanks arrived in Kandahar in mid-October 2006.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.strathconas.ca/index2.php |title= Lord Strathconas Horse (Royal Canadians) // Latest News|website=www.strathconas.ca |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060501234402/http://www.strathconas.ca/index2.php |archive-date=May 1, 2006}}</ref> On 2 December 2006, the Leopards stationed in Kandahar entered the field, marking the first time since the Korean War that a Canadian armoured squadron had sent tanks into an active war zone. They fired their guns in combat for the first time in as many years the following day, in response to a [[Taliban]] rocket attack.

The deployed tank squadron was in combat operations from late 2006 until July 2011. The first squadron deployed with C2 MEXAS. In mid July 2007, a thermal cover and a cooling unit with crew vests was added to the tanks. The tank squadron was augmented in mid September 2007 with the 20 Leopard 2A6Ms with slat bar type armour. The [[Saab Barracuda|Barracuda]] camouflage system was added in mid-2008. In late 2010, the tank squadron added five of the new Leopard 2A4Ms. The tank squadron operated with the three different Leopards until it was pulled from combat operations. The C2 MEXAS with the mine ploughs, mine rollers and the dozers were used alongside the Leopard 2's, until a bracket was installed for the Leopard 2A6M to mount them.

After an initial assessment of the performance of the Leopard C2 in Afghanistan, Canada decided to invest in Leopard 2 tanks. It was determined that the lack of adequate air conditioning, essential in the searing heat of Afghanistan, was degrading the tank crew's war fighting ability.<ref>"The announcement will likely be welcome news to soldiers who have had to endure searing heat driving their current Leopard C2s in the Afghan desert during the summer months. Heat-related health risks have threatened before to cause the tanks to be pulled from service. O'Connor said the newer tanks will be equipped with a cooling system for the crews before they reach Afghan soil." [https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/canadian-forces-to-refresh-aging-fleet-of-tanks-1.641376 CBC News] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070416030119/https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/canadian-forces-to-refresh-aging-fleet-of-tanks-1.641376 |date=2007-04-16 }}, April 12, 2007</ref> The Army later downplayed this factor, citing increased armour protection and the main gun armament as reasons for upgrading to the Leopard 2.<ref>[https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/military-touts-tougher-image-as-tanks-roll-out-in-kandahar-1.641374 Military touts tougher image as tanks roll out in Kandahar – 'It could give our soldiers more confidence and be a bit of a shock for enemy troops'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205084956/https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/military-touts-tougher-image-as-tanks-roll-out-in-kandahar-1.641374 |date=2008-12-05 }} CBC News, August 16, 2007</ref> After some public speculation, Canadian Defence Minister Hon. [[Gordon O'Connor]] clarified the situation in April 2007.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/canadian-forces-to-refresh-aging-fleet-of-tanks-1.641376 |title=Canadian Forces to refresh aging fleet of tanks – World – CBC News |publisher=Cbc.ca |date=2007-04-12 |access-date=2015-11-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081226223524/https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/canadian-forces-to-refresh-aging-fleet-of-tanks-1.641376 |archive-date=2008-12-26 |url-status=live }}</ref>

To meet immediate needs in Afghanistan, 20 of the Bundeswehr's stock of Leopard 2A6s were upgraded to the [[Leopard 2A6|2A6M]] standard and loaned to Canada at no cost by the German government. Two Leopard 2 ''Büffel'' ARVs were acquired at the same time. These vehicles were shipped from Germany to Afghanistan, with the first arriving on 16 August 2007.<ref>[https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/canadian-forces-to-refresh-aging-fleet-of-tanks-1.641376 "Canadian Forces to refresh aging fleet of tanks"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070416030119/https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/canadian-forces-to-refresh-aging-fleet-of-tanks-1.641376 |date=2007-04-16}}, CBC news, April 12, 2007.</ref>

For the long term, Canada plans to replace the borrowed Leopard 2 tanks with a purchase of 100 surplus vehicles from the Netherlands, including 20 Leopard 2A6Ms for combat service, 40 Leopard 2A4s for training, and 20 support vehicles, such as ARVs, Bridge-Layers and AEVs.

The older Leopard C2 tanks were considered completely obsolete by 2015, but specific plans for them have not yet been announced. Until deployment with the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan, the Leopard 1 C2 had never seen active combat.<ref>[http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/newsroom/view_news_e.asp?id=2252 "Renewing the Canadian Forces' Tank Capability"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080514203806/http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/newsroom/view_news_e.asp?id=2252 |date=2008-05-14}}, Official DND/CF Backgrounder.</ref>

In February 2018, Canada attempted to sell the surplus Leopard 1C2 tanks to the [[Jordanian Armed Forces]]. In July, it was announced that the sale fell through and the [[Canadian Department of National Defence]] has yet to decide what to do with the surplus vehicles.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Akin |first1=David |title=Canada fails to find buyer for surplus army tanks, final attempt to sell to Jordan Armed Forces fizzles |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/4318852/canada-fails-to-find-buyer-for-surplus-army-tanks-final-attempt-to-sell-to-jordan-armed-forces-fizzles/ |website=Global News |language=en |access-date=2018-07-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713144958/https://globalnews.ca/news/4318852/canada-fails-to-find-buyer-for-surplus-army-tanks-final-attempt-to-sell-to-jordan-armed-forces-fizzles/ |archive-date=2018-07-13 |url-status=live }}</ref> Daniel Le Bouthillier, a spokesperson for the Canadian Department of National Defense, said "the last option would be to destroy the tanks."<ref name="thedrive.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/22044/canada-has-given-up-trying-to-find-a-good-home-for-its-retired-leopard-tanksCanada|title=Canada Has Given Up Trying To Find A Good Home For Its Retired Leopard Tanks|first=Joseph|last=Trevithick|date=9 July 2018|website=The Drive}}</ref>

As of November, 2021, no buyer was found for the Canadian Army's Leopard 1C2 tanks, "About 45 retired Canadian Army tanks will soon be used for target practice at the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://coldlakesun.com/news/tanks-that-saved-the-day-in-afghanistan-to-be-used-for-target-practice-in-cold-lake|title=Tanks that saved the day in Afghanistan to be used for target practice in Cold Lake|website=coldlakesun}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://espritdecorps.ca/army-articles/a-farewell-to-the-leopard-1-main-battle-tank |title=A Farewell To The Leopard 1 Main Battle Tank |website=espritdecorps |date=7 February 2018 |first1=Scott |last1=Franklin}}</ref> A Vegreville Alberta company, Quest Disposal & Recycling Inc., was contracted to repurpose them to be used for target practice at Cold Lake Air Weapons Range, and the tanks were at the company's site being processed in December 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/8480175/repurposed-leopard-1-tanks-vegreville/|title=Repurposed Leopard 1 tanks invade Vegreville|website=Global News}}</ref>

=== Denmark ===
[[File:Danish Leopard 1 and Crew (GMSF.026978).jpg|thumb|right|Leopard 1 DK]]
[[File:IFOR Leopard 1A5 crushing.jpg|thumb|A Danish Leopard 1A5-DK]]
In 1976, Denmark acquired 120 Leopard 1A3 tanks, which were designated '''Leopard 1 DK'''. Delivery was completed in 1978. In 1989, an order for an additional 110 (used) German tanks (100 A3 and 10 A4) was placed, and the vehicles were delivered from 1992-1994,<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.armyvehicles.dk/leopard1a3.htm | title=Leopard 1 Family - Danish Army Vehicles Homepage }}</ref> partly through [[Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe|Conventional Forces Europe]] treaty AFV reduction requirements. These tanks were upgraded to '''Leopard 1A5-DK''', along with the first 120 Leopards. Being fitted with the welded turret of the Leopard 1A3, the Danish Leopard 1A5-DK tanks were not identical to the German Leopard 1A5, which were fitted with the cast turrets.
An additional upgrade was issued to the 35 leopard 1A5DK that were sent to Bosnia through the [[UNPROFOR]]/[[SFOR]] mission. This variant was named 1A5DK-1 and was up-graded with air-condition, fire-suppression system, a Honda generator and a searchlight from the de-commissioned M41 DK1.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.armyvehicles.dk/leopard1a5.htm | title=Leopard 1A5 DK - Danish Army Vehicles Homepage }}</ref>
Denmark had 230 Leopard (195 1A5-DK and 35 1A5DK-1) in service from 1995, until their retirement and complete replacement by the Leopard 2A5-DK tanks in 2005.

These Leopards were involved in one of the most important engagements in modern Danish military history, which became known as [[Operation Bøllebank]]. Denmark was the only Scandinavian country to send a significant tank force to support their peacekeeping operations in Croatia and Bosnia. On 29 April 1994 near the city of [[Tuzla]] seven Danish Leopard 1A5 tanks were involved in a skirmish between [[UNPROFOR]]s Nordic Battalion (NORDBAT 2) and Bosnian-Serb military forces from the [[Šekovići]] brigade. The tanks were sent out to relieve a Swedish-manned observation post that had come under ambush fire by the Bosnian-Serb forces. Upon the tanks arrival at the observation post they were shelled by mortar fire and anti-tank rockets, which led the [[UN]] marked and white-painted Leopard 1A5 tanks to return fire. No casualties were suffered by Swedish observation post nor the Danish tank. Serbian casualties were estimated as high as 150 soldiers. This is believed to be the first hostile engagement involving the Leopard 1 tank.<ref>Tak for turen!, Lars R. Møller, {{ISBN|978-8711348437}}</ref>

The Danish Army had/has the following variants:

*120 Leopard 1A3 (1976-1993) All upgraded into 1A5Dk
*230 Leopard 1A5DK (1993-2005) (120(from 1976) + 110 "new A5") 
*35 Leopard 1A5DK-1 (1995 -2005) (35 1A5DK was upgraded to the new version)
*16 Berger ARV (1993-2011) All Upgraded into FFG Wisent's (10 ARV + 6 AEV)
**10 FFG Wisent ARV (2011– present)
**4 FFG Wisent AEV Mine clearing vehicle (2011 – present)
**2 FFG Wisent AEV (2011– present)
*10 Biber AVLB (1994–2023)
*6 driving school cabin (1976-?)

Denmark sold 100 of its last Leopard 1A5DK tanks to [[Flensburger Fahrzeugbau|FFG]] in Flensburg, Germany in 2010.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/denmark-buy-leopard-tanks-germany-151200016.html|title=Denmark to buy Leopard tanks from Germany and give them to Ukraine |website=Yahoo News |date=2 February 2023}}</ref> In February 2023, Germany approved 178 Leopard 1 main battle tanks for export to Ukraine, and Denmark announced it would jointly purchase around 100 Leopard 1A5 main battle tanks with Germany and the Netherlands for Ukraine. 90 of the Danish Leopard tanks at FFG are expected to be part of this transfer.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.zeit.de/politik/ausland/2023-02/panzer-lieferungen-ukraine-krieg-leopard-1-bundesregierung-waffenlieferungen |title=Es wird noch dauern |newspaper=Die Zeit |date=8 February 2023 |language=de |last1=Friederichs |first1=Dr Hauke }}</ref>

=== Greece ===
[[File:Leopard 1v lesany.jpg|thumb|An ex-Greek Leopard 1V at [[Military Museum Lešany]]]]
Greece bought its first 104 '''Leopard 1A3 GR''' tanks during 1983–1984. They are actually Leopard 1A3s, but came with an EMES 12A3 FCS and some other modifications required by the Greek army at that time. During 1992, the Greek army received a batch of 75 Leopard 1A5 as offsets for the construction of four [[MEKO 200]] frigates. Some months later, Greece received another batch of 170 Leopard 1V and 2 Leopard 1A5 from the Royal Netherlands army – the '''Leopard 1V''' is basically an 1A1 with an EMES 12A3 AFSL-2 FCS and spaced turret armor.

From 1998 until 2000, Greece bought 192 used Leopard 1A5s as offsets for the upgrade of the Greek F-4 aircraft in Germany in a symbolic price. In 2001, the Greek army decided to upgrade 104 Leopard 1A4GR and 120 Leopard 1V to the A5+ version, costing 234 million dollars. The programme was cancelled because Greece received a batch of 150 Leopard 1A5s along with the newly built Leopard 2A6 HEL. As of 2011, Greece is the largest user of Leopard 1 tanks, having over 500 Leopard 1A5 GR MBTs as well as many ST, Biber and Leguan versions.

Greece is negotiating with Germany to supply nearly 100 of their Leopard 1A5s to Ukraine in exchange for these being backfilled on a one-to-one basis with Italian Leopard 1A5 tanks purchased from Swiss company RUAG and refurbished and upgraded by Rheinmetall.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://flight.com.gr/arms-in-ukraine-greece-does-not-give-up-it-exchanges/ |title=ΑΠΟΚΛΕΙΣΤΙΚΟ: Ελληνικά όπλα στην Ουκρανία με πρόταση ανταλλαγής Leopard 1A5 με εκσυγχρονισμένα LEO 1A5!|publisher=Flight! |date=2023-08-28 |language=he}}</ref><ref name="Forbes">{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2023/08/29/to-free-up-another-hundred-leopard-1-tanks-for-ukraine-german-diplomats-are-getting-creative/?sh=72e9b93252e0 |title=To Free Up Another Hundred Leopard 1 Tanks For Ukraine, German Diplomats Are Getting Creative|work=Forbes |date=2023-08-29}}</ref>

=== Italy ===
[[File:Leopard 1A5 esposto.jpg|thumb|An Italian Leopard 1A5 in 2008]]
Italy had to replace an enormous number of M47 Pattons, with over 2,000 received from US stocks, but unlike other NATO members did not instigate a national project to achieve this. Its army, not entirely satisfied by the M60 Patton (300 delivered, of those 200 were produced by [[OTO Melara]]), placed its first order for the Leopard 1 in 1970. 200 Leopard 1A1 and 69 Bergepanzer 2 were delivered between 1971 and 1972. The vehicles replaced the M47 in the Italian Army's [[Pozzuolo del Friuli Cavalry Brigade|Cavalry Brigade ''"Pozzuolo del Friuli"'']].

A further 600 Leopard 1A2 and 67 Bergepanzer 2 were built in Italy by OTO Melara with deliveries starting in 1975, with a second batch of 120 build by OTO Melara between 1980 and 1983. All Italian-built Leopards were A2s, but without stabilizers and skirts. The 200 A1s originally bought from Germany were partially upgraded lately at this standard. Forty Pionierleopard (AEV), nine school (for drivers, without armament) and 64 Biber (AVLB) were ordered in 1985. Twelve of the Pionierleopard were produced in Germany and 28 by OTO Melara in Italy. All of the Biber were assembled by OTO Melara in Italy.

By the end, Italy was the biggest customer of the Leopard outside Germany with 920 plus 250 special versions, the only one with a licence production, and the only country that produced both the M60 and Leopard 1. The Leopard was the basis for Italian MBTs and heavy artillery systems, starting with Leone/Lion and the following [[OF-40]], leading to other developments like the Palmaria and OTOMATIC artillery systems (both on an OF-40 hull).<ref>Il carro armato Leaopard 1, Storia Militare N.10-2018, Ed. Storia Militare srl, Genova</ref> The experience made possible the development of the [[C1 Ariete]], after the Italian army decided in 1984 to have a new national tank, rather than buying 300 Leopard 2s.<ref>Dossier MBT, ED AI editions, Florence, 1990 p.22</ref>

At the end of the Cold War, the Italian Army began an upgrade and a downsizing of its armoured units. A number of Leopards were retired in 1991, along with its fleet of M60 tanks. In 1995, Italy bought 120 surplus A5 turrets from the Bundeswehr, which were mounted on the same number of reworked A2 hulls. These tanks took part in the various peacekeeping missions in the [[Balkan]]s, never seeing action.

The last A1/A2 was retired in 2003, with the last A5 going in 2008, leaving the [[Ariete]] as the sole tank in Italian service. The AEVs, ARVs and AVLBs have been reduced in number and some have been modified to work with the Ariete. They are stated to serve for some more years, as no replacement has been selected yet.

A deal to sell nearly 100 Leopard 1A5 tanks stored in Lenta to a South American country fell through in 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bulgarianmilitary.com/2022/10/24/stored-italian-leopard-1a5s-await-their-fate-after-a-failed-deal/ |title=Stored Italian Leopard 1A5s await their fate after a failed deal |website=BulgarianMilitary.com |date=24 October 2022 |language=es}}</ref>

===Netherlands===
[[File:Improved Leopard 1V of the Dutch armoured Hussars regiment.jpg|thumb|right|The Dutch upgraded their Leopard 1A1s acquired between 1969–1972 to the Leopard 1V standard seen here. The vehicle received spaced turret armour and a new fire control system. A Dutch-built gunfire simulation device is mounted on the mantlet, to the right of the gun barrel.]]
[[File:Chilean Leopard 1V.jpg|thumb|A [[Chilean Army]] Leopard 1V]]
The [[Royal Netherlands Army]] ordered a total 468 Leopard 1 tanks from the fourth production series, built between October 1969 and March 1972, as a partial replacement for the Centurion tank. The initial order for 415 vehicles was placed on 27 December 1968 but was soon expanded to include another 53 tanks and 30 armoured recovery vehicles (subsequently increased to 51) following the [[Prague Spring|Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia]]. Dutch tanks were built with participation from local industry, including components supplied by companies such as [[DAF Trucks|DAF]]. They were equipped with US radio sets using US-style antenna bases and a Dutch-designed smoke discharger system consisting of six launchers grouped into three pairs on either side of the turret. There were additional stowage boxes provided on the fenders around the hull and the FN MAG was used as secondary armament instead of the MG 3. At a later date, Dutch tanks were upgraded with a gun stabilization system from Honeywell and new optics for use with British-designed APDS ammunition.

In 1987, all remaining Dutch Leopard 1s were upgraded to the '''Leopard 1V''' (''Verbeterd'' or "improved") standard, which involved the provision of the EMES 12A3 AFSL-2 fire control system built to Dutch specifications by Honeywell and Zeiss as well as the spaced turret armour add-on package by Blohm & Voss.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Jerchel |first=Michael |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/33837331 |title=Leopard 1 : main battle tank, 1965-1995 |date=1995 |publisher=Osprey Military |isbn=1-85532-520-9 |location=London |oclc=33837331}}</ref> The program was plagued by technical challenges with the new fire control system, which rendered a significant number of upgraded tanks inoperable for a period of time, and cost overruns. 
By early 1995, the Leopard 1V was phased out of Dutch service without a replacement, with most vehicles either donated to Greece or sold to Chile. Approximately 50 tanks were retained for various purposes, including to be used as monuments, museum pieces, targets for live weapons practice, driver training vehicles and other niche applications.

=== Turkey ===
The [[Turkish Army]] upgraded its Leopard 1 tanks to a version called the '''Leopard 1T 'Volkan''''. The modernization program included the serial production and integration of the Volkan fire control system developed by [[ASELSAN]].<ref>{{cite web |author=13 KASIM 2009, CUMA |url=http://www.sabah.com.tr/ekonomi/2009/11/13/aselsanin_volkan_sistemi_ile_leopardlar_ilk_atista_vuracak |title=Tanks Improvement Project |publisher=Sabah.com.tr |date=2009-11-13 |access-date=2015-11-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924135510/http://www.sabah.com.tr/ekonomi/2009/11/13/aselsanin_volkan_sistemi_ile_leopardlar_ilk_atista_vuracak |archive-date=2015-09-24 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The new indigenous system provides the capability of detecting the targets in daylight or at night in all weather conditions and combat environments. It significantly increases the first round hit probability on the move and also improve the usage life over 20 years.<ref>[http://www2.ssm.gov.tr/katalog2007/eng/urunler.html VOLKAN – Fire Control System for Leopard 1 Tanks] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081221175824/http://www2.ssm.gov.tr/katalog2007/eng/urunler.html |date=2008-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hurriyet.com.tr/gundem/firtina-obusu-iste-bu-tesislerde-yapiliyor-10464568|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202104345/http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/gundem/10464568.asp|url-status=dead|title='Fırtına' obüsü işte bu tesislerde yapılıyor|archive-date=2 December 2008|website=www.hurriyet.com.tr}}</ref>

Turkey's other batch of Leo 1A3s are dubbed as '''Leo 1A3T1''' and are actually 1A3A3s with EMES-12A3 fire control system.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.trmilitarynews.com/turkiyenin-zirhli-birlikleri/|title=turkiyen zırhlı birlikleri|website=trmilitarynews.com|date=14 April 2019|accessdate=26 March 2024}}</ref>

=== Ukraine ===
[[File:UA Leopard 1A5 02.jpg|thumb|Two Leopard 1A5DK of the Ukrainian Air Assault Forces, September 2023]]
==== Procurement problems====
At the outbreak of the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine|full-scale phase]] of the [[Russo-Ukrainian War]], Rheinmetall sought to buy back 96 Leopard 1A5IT tanks at the beginning of March 2022 from Swiss company RUAG, refurbish the tanks, and deliver them via a third country to Ukraine. Rheinmetall and RUAG signed a tentative purchase agreement for these tanks before a formal application for their sale and export was made with Swiss government authorities.<ref>{{Cite news |title= Amherd stört sich am Vorgehen des Rüstungskonzerns |url=https://www.plattformj.ch/artikel/213167/ |work=Die Platform J |date=30 August 2023 |language=de}}</ref> Rheinmetall then requested an export permit for 88 Leopard 1A5 tanks to Ukraine in April 2022 along with 100 [[Marder (infantry fighting vehicle)|Marder IFVs]] it already had in its stocks.<ref>{{cite news |title=Rheinmetall seeks permit to export Leopard tanks to Ukraine |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/rheinmetall-seeks-permit-export-leopard-tanks-ukraine-2022-04-25/ |access-date=23 December 2023 |work=Reuters |date=25 April 2022}}</ref> However this was initially blocked by the Scholz government allegedly over concerns that the tanks could not easily be made battle ready.<ref>{{cite news |title=Explainer: Why is Germany not sending Ukraine heavy weapons? |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/why-is-germany-not-sending-ukraine-heavy-weapons-2022-04-21/ |access-date=23 December 2023 |work=Reuters |date=21 April 2022}}</ref> A government source later revealed that the Chancellory was actually blocking Leopard tank transfers because it "would constitute a departure" from an informal NATO decision not to provide Western tanks at that time.<ref>{{cite news |title=Was wurde aus den spanischen Panzerlieferungen? |trans-title=What became of the Spanish tank deliveries? |url=https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/news-olaf-scholz-russland-ukraine-waffenlieferungen-afd-a-10bbf76f-bc59-4d16-ae68-11ba716dacf1 |access-date=24 March 2023 |work=Der Spiegel |last=Amann |first=Melanie |date=10 June 2022 |language=de}}</ref> Following the 20 January 2023 meeting of the [[Ukraine Defense Contact Group]] a decision was reached to provide Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine. The Scholz government subsequently lifted its ban on export of Leopard tanks to Ukraine.

On 7 February 2023, the German federal government approved the export of 178 Leopard 1A5 main battle tanks to Ukraine, which included 88 Leopard 1A5 Rheinmetall claimed to have, and 90 Leopard 1A5DK available from FFG stocks.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/ukraine-bundesregierung-genehmigt-lieferung-von-178-leopard-1-panzern-a-100fcfdc-332d-471e-9d1d-f78fd8c27cd5 |title=Bundesregierung genehmigt Lieferung von 178 Leopard-1-Panzern |website=Der Spiegal |language=de |date=7 February 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=7 February 2023 |work=Business Insider Deutschland |url=https://www.businessinsider.de/politik/deutschland/ukraine-bundesregierung-genehmigt-ausfuhr-von-leopard-1-panzern/ |title=Bundesregierung genehmigt Ausfuhr von 178 Leopard-1-Panzern in die Ukraine: Was das für den Krieg bedeutet |access-date=7 February 2023 | language=de |first1=Lars |last1=Petersen}}</ref> Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands subsequently issued a statement that the three countries would jointly finance the purchase of "at least" 100 Leopard 1A5 tanks. On February 13, Rheinmetall and RUAG signed a more formal agreement for the purchase of the 96 Leopard 1A5IT tanks stored in Italy, although this contract was also not formally approved by RUAG's management or board of directors.<ref>{{Cite news |title= Finanzkontrolle findet mehrere Ungereimtheiten bei Ruag-Panzerdeals | url=https://www.plattformj.ch/artikel/218241/ |work=Die Platform J |date=21 February 2024 |language=de}}</ref>

In May, Denmark's acting Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen clarified in an interview that the joint-venture included 80 Leopard 1A5DK from FFG co-financed by Denmark and Germany.<ref>{{Cite news |title= Danmark sender stort bidrag af kampvogne til Ukraine |url=https://nyheder.tv2.dk/2023-05-05-danmark-sender-stort-bidrag-af-kampvogne-til-ukraine |work=Nyheder TV2 |date=5 May 2023 |language=da}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Denmark and Germany to supply 80 Leopard 1 tanks to Ukraine |url=https://newsinfrance.com/denmark-and-germany-to-supply-80-leopard-1-tanks-to-ukraine/ |work=News In France |date=5 May 2023}}</ref> Germany committed an additional 30 Leopard 1A5 tanks for Ukraine on 13 May 2023 as part of a new $2.95 billion military aid package.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Bundesregierung verkündet 2,7-Milliarden-Euro-Militärpaket für die Ukraine |url=https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/zur-verleihung-des-karlspreises-an-selenskyj-bundesregierung-verkundet-rustungspaket-im-wert-von-27-milliarden-euro-fur-die-ukraine-9814532.html |work=TagesSpiegel |date=13 May 2023 |language=de}}</ref> Canada agreed to supply 1,800 rounds of 105&nbsp;mm training ammunition for the Leopard 1 tanks going to Ukraine.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Canadian donations and military support to Ukraine |department=National Defence |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/campaigns/canadian-military-support-to-ukraine.html |work=Government of Canada |date=24 March 2023}}</ref>

The Dutch contribution to the German-Danish-Dutch Leopard 1 consortium has not been made public, and the Netherlands was not included with Denmark on Germany's formal list of military aid to Ukraine<ref>{{cite news |title=The arms and military equipment Germany is sending to Ukraine|url=https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-en/news/military-support-ukraine-2054992 |access-date=2024-05-03 |work=Bundesregierung |url-status= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240317214651/https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-en/news/military-support-ukraine-2054992 |archive-date=2024-03-17}}</ref> until an update was made on March 29, 2024.<ref name=Bundesregierung /> In April 2023, it was reported that the Netherlands had planned to finance the purchase of the 88 Leopard 1A5IT tanks Rheinmetall had claimed to have, although these were still not in Rheinmetall's possession since a formal export permit had not been granted from the Swiss government.<ref>{{Cite news |date=3 March 2023 |title= Rüstungskonzern Ruag hortet Leopard-1-Panzer – Deutschland will auch sie kaufen |work=Tages-Anzeiger |url=https://www.tagesanzeiger.ch/ruestungskonzern-ruag-hortet-leopard-1-panzer-deutschland-will-auch-sie-kaufen-690901853674 |access-date=6 March 2023 | language=de}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://nltimes.nl/2023/06/01/netherlands-wants-buy-dozens-leopard-1-tanks-patriot-missiles-ukraine |title=The Netherlands wants to buy dozens more Leopard 1 tanks, Patriot missiles for Ukraine |publisher=NL Times |date=2023-06-01}}</ref> In June, the Swiss Federal Council formally rejected RUAG's request for an export permit, blocking Rheinmtall's acquisition and the Netherlands ability to buy the tanks for Ukraine.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://nltimes.nl/2023/06/28/swiss-federal-council-shoots-dutch-plan-supply-leopard-tanks-ukraine |title=Swiss Federal Council shoots down Dutch plan to supply Leopard tanks to Ukraine |publisher=NL Times |date=2023-06-28}}</ref>

Belgium was negotiating with OIP Land Systems over the purchase of an additional 50 Leopard 1A5BE tanks sold to the company in 2014, but could not come to an agreement on price.<ref>{{Cite news |date=8 February 2023 |title= Ukraine Could Get 237 Leopard 1A5 Tanks—Assuming Someone Can Cut A Deal With A Belgian Arms-Dealer |work=Defense News |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2023/02/07/ukraine-could-get-237-leopard-1a5-tanks-assuming-someone-can-cut-a-deal-with-a-belgian-arms-dealer/?sh=5c8bf8bb4e2e |access-date=9 February 2023 | language=en |first1=David |last1=Axe}}</ref> On 11 July, Germany pledged a new €700 million aid package which included additional Leopard 1 tanks for Ukraine on top of those previously pledged. Rheinmetall subsequently purchased all 50 Leopard 1A5BE from OIP Land Systems to fulfill this obligation.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Rheinmetall Buys About 30 Leopard 1 Battle Tanks for Ukraine |work=BNN Bloomberg |url=https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/rheinmetall-buys-about-30-leopard-1-battle-tanks-for-ukraine-1.1956866 |date=9 August 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Deal struck to send German-made Leopard 1 tanks from Belgium to Ukraine |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/deal-struck-send-german-made-leopard-1-tanks-belgium-ukraine-2023-08-08/ |date=8 August 2023}}</ref> 30 of these 50 tanks are to be refurbished for active service and 20 used for spare parts.<ref name="forbes.com"/> On November 14, Rheinmetall issued an update that only 25 were to be used for main battle tanks, 5 would be converted to Bergepanzer 2 armoured recovery vehicles, and 2 used for driver training vehicles.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rheinmetall.com/en/media/news-watch/news/2023/11/2023-11-14-rheinmetall-to-supply-ukraine-with-leopard-systems-on-behalf-of-german-government|title=Rheinmetall to supply Ukraine with over 30 Leopard 1 systems on behalf of German government|publisher=Rheinmetall|date=2023-11-14}}</ref>

Denmark pledged an additional 30 Leopard 1 tanks to Ukraine on September 19, 2023, as part of a larger US$830 million aid package. The source of these tanks was not disclosed, with the Danish Defense Minister stating they would be purchased from other countries that had these tanks available.<ref>{{cite web |title=Danmark sender flere kampvogne til Ukraine |url=https://nyheder.tv2.dk/politik/2023-09-19-danmark-sender-flere-kampvogne-til-ukraine|website=Nyheder |date=19 September 2023 |language=da}}</ref> These tanks were in addition to the 80 1A5DKs previously financed with Germany,<ref>{{cite web |title=Historisk stor dansk donation skal sikre flere kampvogne til Ukraine |url=https://www.fmn.dk/da/nyheder/2023/historisk-stor-dansk-donation-skal-sikre-flere-kampvogne-til-ukraine/ |date=23 September 2023 |language=da}}</ref> bringing the total number of Leopard 1A5 publicly pledged by Denmark and Germany to Ukraine to 165, although as many as 195 tanks may be financed already since Dutch contributions are not public.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2023/11/09/ukraines-getting-nearly-200-leopard-1a5-tanks-now-it-needs-new-tank-tactics/?sh=1c3ac3d3dbe5 |title="Ukraine's Getting Nearly 200 Leopard 1A5 Tanks. Now It Needs New Tank Tactics." |work=Forbes|date=2023-11-09}}</ref>

The status of the 96 Leopard 1A5IT remains in legal limbo. Acquiring these tanks for Ukraine has been complicated by the Swiss government's refusal to sell the tanks to third countries due to neutrality concerns,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.italy24.press/world/595023.html |title=Leopard 1, RUAG wants to export them – RSI Swiss Radio and Television |publisher=Italy24 |date=2023-06-01}}</ref> as well as the discovery that 25 of these 96 were already purchased by Bavarian firm Global Logistics Support GmbH (GLS) back in 2019.<ref name="SwissInfo">{{cite web |url=https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/business/swiss-firm-already-sold-leopard-tanks-destined-for-ukraine/ |title=Swiss firm already sold Leopard tanks destined for Ukraine |publisher=SwissInfo |date=2023-08-27}}</ref> Germany considered negotiating with Greece the transfer of nearly 100 of their Leopard 1A5 tanks in exchange for Rheinmetall backfilling them on a one-to-one basis with the remaining Leopard 1s available from RUAG.<ref name="Forbes"/> However the matter was further complicated when Italian NGO OPAL discovered that Agenzia italiana difesa (AID), which sold the tanks to RUAG in 2016, did not have the necessary export permits to conclude the sale to RUAG in the first place, and no approval was provided by the licensing authority Uama.<ref name="Watson">{{cite web |url=https://www.watson.ch/international/schweiz/133017362-panzer-affaere-um-die-ruag-zieht-weitere-kreise-in-italien |title=Und wo blieb die Bewilligung in Italien? Panzer-Affäre um die Ruag zieht weitere Kreise |publisher=Watson |date=2023-09-08 |language=de}}</ref> As such, the legal ownership of the tanks is unclear. The Swiss Federal Audit Office, the German Public Prosecutor's Office, and the Italian government are investigating the matter to clarify the tanks' legal status, which could enable their eventual delivery to Ukraine.<ref name="Blick">{{cite web |url=https://www.blick.ch/politik/geplatzter-panzer-deal-wird-immer-verworrener-jetzt-schaltet-sich-italien-in-die-ruag-affaere-ein-id18918446.html |title=Jetzt schaltet sich Italien in die Ruag-Affäre ein |publisher=Blick |date=2023-09-07 |language=de}}</ref> However, on May 28, 2025, Switzerland green-lit the sale of its 71 remaining Leopard 1A5IT tanks held by RUAG to Germany, albeit on the condition that they were not sold to Ukraine.<ref>{{Cite web |last=swissinfo.ch |first=S. W. I. |date=2025-05-28 |title=Swiss government greenlights Ruag sale of Leopard tanks to Germany |url=https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/foreign-affairs/ruag-mro-may-sell-leopard-battle-tanks-to-germany/89424668 |access-date=2025-05-30 |website=SWI swissinfo.ch |language=en}}</ref>

==== Delivery difficulties and delays ====
[[File:UA Leopard 1A5 01.jpg|thumb|Ukrainian Leopard 1A5DK during a training, September 2023]]

Denmark's Defense Minister stated on 11 March 2023 that the first batch of Leopard 1 tanks should be delivered to Ukraine by the spring.<ref>{{Cite news |date=11 March 2023 |title= Troels Lund Poulsen: Kampvogne klar til ukrainerne i foråret |work=Forsvarsministeriet |url=https://www.fmn.dk/da/nyheder/2023/troels-lund-poulsen-kampvogne-klar-til-ukrainerne-i-foraret/ |language=da}}</ref> However, Germany's Defence Minister [[Boris Pistorius]] told his Ukrainian counterpart [[Oleksii Reznikov]] that 20-25 tanks would be delivered by the summer, around 80 by the end of 2023, and an additional 100 in 2024.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/german-govt-security-council-oks-delivery-178-leopard-1-tanks-ukraine-source-2023-02-07/ |title=Germany, Denmark, Netherlands to provide at least 100 Leopard 1 tanks for Kyiv |website=Reuters |date=7 February 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=7 February 2023 |title=European coalition to give refurbished Leopard 1 tanks to Ukraine |work=Defense News |url=https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2023/02/07/european-coalition-to-give-refurbished-leopard-1-tanks-to-ukraine/ |access-date=8 February 2023 | language=en |first1=Sebastian |last1=Sprenger}}</ref> The first 10 were delivered to Ukraine by 18 July 2023.<ref>{{Cite news |title= Ukraine Just Got Its First 10 Leopard 1A5 Tanks. Now It Needs To Figure Out How To Use Them.|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2023/07/22/ukraine-just-got-its-first-10-leopard-1a5-tanks-now-it-needs-to-figure-out-how-to-use-them/?sh=c88efac50dc4 |work=Forbes |date=22 July 2023}}</ref> An additional 10 were delivered by 29 August, aligning with the delivery schedule given by Pistorius. However, the second batch of 10 Leopard 1A5 tanks to be delivered from Germany was refused by Ukraine due to the vehicles' poor condition and the lack of available spare parts and engineers to repair the vehicles in Ukraine. German experts travelled to Poland and confirmed the tanks required repairs due to the extensive training the vehicles performed in the preceding weeks. Germany agreed to cooperate on the tank repairs before their delivery.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ukraine lehnt Einfuhr von älteren Leopard-Panzern aus Deutschland ab |url=https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/waffenlieferungen-aus-deutschland-ukraine-lehnt-einfuhr-von-aelteren-leopard-panzern-ab-a-1789c3b1-e5b3-4750-bf0c-88dc8c519b20 |website=Der Spiegel |date=19 September 2023 |language=de}}</ref> As of May 2024, only 30 Leopard 1A5 have arrived in Ukraine. However, an additional 60 tanks have already been turned over but at the behest of the Ukrainian Armed Forces training was extended and remains ongoing in Germany; an additional 20 tanks will be fully upgraded by June by FFG, and the 25 1A5BEs will be refurbished by Rheinmetall by mid year.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.wiwo.de/politik/deutschland/leopard-1-die-ukraine-bekommt-zu-wenige-deutsche-panzer-stimmt-nicht-mehr/29779552.html |title=Die Ukraine bekommt zu wenige deutsche Panzer? Stimmt nicht (mehr)! |publisher=Wirtschafts Woche |date=2024-05-03 |language=de}}</ref> As of 8 July 2024, 50 Leopard 1 tanks had been delivered to Ukraine.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-08 |title=Military support for Ukraine {{!}} Federal Government |url=https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-en/news/military-support-ukraine-2054992 |access-date=2024-07-16 |website=Website of the Federal Government {{!}} Bundesregierung |language=en}}</ref>

==== Active combat ====
[[File:UA 5th tank brigade Leopard 1 MBT front.jpg|thumb|Leopard 1A5V of 5th Independent Tank Brigade with [[Kontakt-1]] ERA blocks]]

Beginning in summer 2023 Ukrainian Wisent 1 mine clearing vehicles and Bergepanzer 2 armored recovery vehicles were used in the [[2023 Ukrainian counteroffensive]] in the [[Southern Ukraine campaign|Zaporizhzhia direction]], with at least one Wisent 1 being visually confirmed lost, and at least one Bergepanzer 2 suffering damage.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2022/02/attack-on-europe-documenting-ukrainian.html|title=Attack On Europe: Documenting Ukrainian Equipment Losses During The Russian Invasion Of Ukraine|website=[[Oryx (website)|Oryx]]|accessdate=26 March 2024}}</ref>

On October 18, the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine announced the official adoption of the Leopard 1A5, along with the Leopard 2A5 and 2A6.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mil.gov.ua/en/news/2023/10/18/the-ministry-of-defence-adopted-three-modifications-of-the-leopard-tanks|title=The Ministry of Defence adopted three modifications of the Leopard tanks |publisher=Ministry of Defence of Ukraine |date=2023-10-18}}</ref>

Footage of a destroyed Ukrainian Leopard 1A5 and Bergepanzer 2 appeared on social media in summer 2024.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://postlmg.cc/kBdw4WVm|title=Documenting Ukrainian Equipment Losses During The Russian Invasion Of Ukraine}}</ref>

'''Leopard 1 local upgrades'''

By September of 2024 members of the Ukrainian 5th Independent Tank Brigade had upgraded their Leopard 1s to a standard that they dubbed "Leopard 1A5V". The Leopard 1A5V includes new additions such as extra armor, ERA blocks on the turret, front, and mid sections of the tank, as well as an extendable cage with netting to protect the turret from drones.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MSN |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/ukraine-s-upgraded-leopards-new-armor-and-fire-control-shine/ar-AA1qJSls?ocid=winp2fptaskbarhoverent&cvid=9036751cf5d44281e71a4a4b36f7a15f&ei=29 |access-date=2024-09-17 |website=www.msn.com}}</ref>